The Senegalese community in Belgium is currently facing a sophisticated scam that is causing widespread concern within the diaspora. Several compatriots have reported being contacted by an individual claiming to be a Senegalese resident of Liège, who is soliciting supposedly urgent financial assistance by playing on their emotions.

According to numerous testimonies gathered from residents, the man claims his mother is seriously ill in a Senegalese hospital and that he must send her funds as soon as possible. His modus operandi is almost always the same: he generally requests a loan of 500 euros, promising immediate repayment of 550 euros by bank transfer, a profit of 50 euros as compensation for the service rendered.

To gain the trust of his victims and heighten the psychological pressure of the urgency, the alleged scammer goes so far as to send photographs showing people in front of ATMs. As soon as his targets suspect the trap and suggest alternative solutions, such as speaking directly with their doctor or transferring the money to Senegal themselves, the individual resorts to increasingly evasive tactics. He claims, for example, that his own bank account is temporarily blocked due to exceeding the sending limit.

Faced with a surge in reports and in order to protect the diaspora, the TAKKU-TEKKI association of Liège, Verviers, and the surrounding area has decided to take legal action by contacting the relevant authorities. The organization is expected to file a harassment complaint initially, while awaiting the possibility of a direct victim who has suffered financial harm formally initiating proceedings for fraud.

The case also gained media attention when it was prominently featured on the program "Face à la semaine," broadcast on MapiProd TV. Its host, Mame Mor Gueye, issued a strong plea for caution to the Senegalese community in Belgium. The video of his intervention, widely shared on social media, is actively contributing to raising awareness among a broad audience and breaking the chain of the scam.

In conclusion, the association leaders reiterate the importance of exercising absolute vigilance when faced with requests for funds made under the influence of emotion, intimidation, or a sense of urgency. They recommend systematically verifying the identity of those requesting funds, never transferring money without genuine guarantees, and immediately reporting any suspicious or persistent behavior to the Belgian police.